The Why, What and How of Studying the Scriptures

Why Study the Scriptures?

In the Topical Guide “Scripture, Study of”, there are at least 40 scriptures listed in just the scriptures alone.  We are told to read, study, meditate, and ponder the scriptures.  This does not include the endless conference talks that also encourage us to study our scriptures daily.

If it wasn’t important, the Lord wouldn’t have to remind us so many times to do it.  It’s a daily way to feel closer to the Lord and know his will.  It gives us guidance and direction as well as a way to learn and grow personally in the gospel.  We are to think of him daily, and the scriptures are a great tool for this.

What’s the difference between reading and Studying the Scriptures?

The biggest difference when studying is the understanding, how we apply things to our lives, and the inspiration we can receive when we are studying rather than just reading the scriptures. 

Reading implies were are enjoying it as a novel, or story, completing required reading and not really understanding or expounding on what the scriptures contain.

Studying is digging deeper into the scriptures.  Its becoming inspired by something, or to come to greater understanding about a specific verse, principle, or doctrine.  Its finding a way to apply what we have learned into our lives, to discover the personal moral of the story.  Its also imaging what it was like at that time, and coming to a greater understanding as to why they did what they did.

How can I study the scriptures?

There are many resources and ideas on how to study the scriptures.  Everything from Pinterest to LDS.org has great ideas for scripture studies.  There have been many people that have gone before us, and have found very effective ways to get amazing deeper understanding from the scriptures.  

The first and best step to start is to get yourself a designated scripture journal.  This will allow you to write notes, scribble thoughts and impressions, and have a place to go back and remember something you learned about.  There have been many times I’ve gone back through my scripture journal to review my conference notes, or remind myself about a specific topic I knew I had studied and read about before or when I was having a conversation with someone, and wanted to share what I learned about that topic.  

Check out the Seminary and Institute Manuals from LDS.org or the Gospel Library App on your phone.  These are great gospel centered resources and a great place for more understanding.  Personally I like to look at the teacher’s manuals as well as the students because often then complement each other and add even more understanding to the scriptures I am trying to learn about.

BYU also offers free internet independent study class you can take online.  The are no charge, and offer great insights and is another great way to study your scriptures, not just read them. There are questions at the end of each lesson you will submit to an instructor at the end of each unit you complete at your own pace.  http://is.byu.edu/site/courses/free.cfm#

 

Even on Pinterest there is a great number of LDS Scripture Study resources and techniques available. 

In the LDS published versions of the scriptures we have access to many, many footnotes.  This is another great resource.  Even if we think we understand the verse, we can expound on it by reading other verses with similar words, ideas or principles.  Many man hours were used to create this wonderful resource, lets not forget to use them.  The scriptures need each other to become the whole gospel, so don’t be afraid to look up and use your footnotes, to explore other books and see things from a different perspective or from a different writer.

What is the Key to Studying?

Find something that works for you.  Even if it lasts only a short time, and then try something new.  There is nothing wrong with trying out a new study skill each week, and learning from your scripture many new ways.  Of maybe you like a tried and true skill, and will use the same one once, all the way through a set of scriptures before trying a new one.  Whoever you are, whatever study technique you use doesn’t matter, as much as you getting into the scriptures daily and really learning or pulling something new out of the scriptures you never saw before.

Think, learn, ponder, and grow daily.